B01 Wireless Basics 2:49

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Wireless basics

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Most Apple products comes standard
with built-in wireless capability,

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which on a Mac is called AirPort,

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so you can do everything
from getting on the Internet,

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to downloading content from iTunes,

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to printing, all without the need to plug wires

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or cables directly into your Mac.

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To see how you can take advantage
of your Mac's wireless capabilities,

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it helps to have a basic understanding
of the types of wireless technologies there are

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and how they work.

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Wi-Fi

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The first and most prevalent type
of wireless networking technology is Wi-Fi.

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It uses radio waves to transmit
and receive information

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and is primarily used for accessing the Internet

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and transferring data between
devices without wires.

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Wi-Fi transmits large amounts of data
over long ranges,

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so you can use it to check e-mail, surf the web,

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download movies and music,

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and share large files with other computers.

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For Wi-Fi network in your home,

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you need an Apple AirPort base station

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that's connected to the Internet
through a DSL or cable modem.

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Another form of wireless technology
is Bluetooth.

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It transmits data at shorter distances
between two devices

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and you've probably noticed
it is a common feature in cell phones.

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It's what allows you to use wireless headsets,

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but you can also find Bluetooth in devices
like keyboards and mice,

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which make for clean, cable-free workspace.

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Wi-Fi in your home

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Lets take a look at how Wi-Fi works in a home.

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Here we have a base station
connected to a DSL modem.

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The base station has been configured
and given a name.

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Now any computers or devices
that are enabled for Wi-Fi

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can join the wireless network
and use the Internet connection.

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A printer is also connected to the base station.

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That means anyone connected
to the wireless network

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can print without plugging directly
into the printer.

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Joining an existing wireless network

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You can connect to wireless networks at cafés,

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airports, or other public places

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to do things like surf the web,
get e-mail, and video chat.

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Some networks require a password to join,

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others are free and open to the public.

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If you happen to be somewhere
with an existing wireless network,

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like at a café or a friend's house,

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joining the network with your Mac is easy,

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just click the AirPort symbol in the menu bar.

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Here you'll see a list of
wireless networks within range,

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select the network you wish to join,

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enter the password if you're prompted for one,

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and click "OK".

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Now you can browse the web with Safari,

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video conference with iChat,

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send e-mails with Mail and more.

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To find out which AirPort product is best for you,

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visit apple.com/wifi
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